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24.08.2010

Hockey: Mantells back in Delhi to make amends

Brothers Richard and Simon Mantell have today been announced in the 16-strong, Delhi-bound England men’s hockey squad meaning they will return this October to a venue they might want to forget.

Both Mantells suffered injuries when England’s squad participated in the World Cup there this March. Richard, the elder brother, dislocated and broke his ankle in a group game against Pakistan. Simon broke his foot in a warm up match in Doha before he even made it to Delhi.

Both had surgery back in the UK on the same day. Penalty-corner specialist Richard remembers well the sickening injury brought on by a clash with his Pakistani opponent in the MDC National Stadium, the Games venue:

“I was screaming at Glen Kirkham to get the doctor on and when he partially put it (the ankle) back it was a slight relief. But after coming off and being given oxygen and morphine, doctors put it back fully and that was excruciating — there was a bit of screaming and swearing then!”

Mantell-less England went on to reach the semi-finals in Delhi and their performance earlier this month in reaching the final of the Champions Trophy marks them out as potential medallists in Delhi.

That would follow a bronze in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, a fifth place in Manchester (2002) and fourth in Melbourne four years ago.

Seven of the 16 players, plus travelling reserves Ben Hawes and Jonty Clarke, were all part of England’s set-up in Melbourne four years ago. Of the newcomers, Ashley Jackson won World Young Player of the Year in 2009.

James Fair from Chester, aged 29, is the oldest player selected whilst uncapped Harry Martin, from Ipswich, won’t be 18 until nine days after the Delhi Closing Ceremony. This is his first England call-up at senior level.

Jason Lee, men’s hockey coach said: “The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and we are thoroughly looking forward to Delhi. The squad has made good progress in recent tournaments and we will look to continue that while competing for the medals against the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan.

“The Commonwealth Games will give our less experienced players, such as Harry Martin, the opportunity to experience a multi-sport event for the very first time while we welcome back the experience of Richard Mantell after his injury at the World Cup.”

Craig Hunter, England’s Chef de Mission for the Games said: “I had the privilege of watching England’s men take on some of the world’s top nations in Delhi earlier this year during the World Cup and now I’m delighted to welcome them into the England Commonwealth Games team. I wish them every success in their final preparations and at the Games”.

Hockey’s popularity with people of all ages and both genders means that, in England, the sport is played by more than 100,000 people with a further 6600 umpires and 4600 coaches contributing to the success of the sport at all levels. It is estimated that some 33,000 young people regularly play hockey in England.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games take place in Delhi, India, from 3 to 14 October 2010. They will feature 17 sports - archery, aquatics (swimming, synchronised swimming & diving), athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, lawn bowls, netball, rugby 7s, shooting, squash, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling. With the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Commonwealth Games England is entering a breath-taking four years of sport.

Commonwealth Games England (GCE) is the organisation responsible for selecting and organising England's team at the Commonwealth Games. England finished second to Australia on the medal table at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games with 36 golds, 40 silvers and 34 bronzes.

Sport England is responsible for building the foundations of sporting success, by creating a world-leading community sport system of clubs, coaches, facilities and volunteers. Their focus is growing and sustaining the numbers of people taking part in sport and improving talent development to help more people excel.

For further information about Commonwealth Games England please contact the Commonwealth Games England press office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 443 998 or see the CGE’s website at www.weareengland.org
<http://www.weareengland.org <http://www.weareengland.org> >

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